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Facts & figures regarding Lakers’ Christmas Day game against Knicks

Below are a few numbers to feast on before watching the Lakers (13-14) host the New York Knicks (20-7) Christmas Day at Staples Center

*Today’s game will mark the Lakers’ 14th consecutive Christmas Day appearance, a feat that speaks to the team’s NBA marketability. But there’s one reason why the Lakers shouldn’t feel proud of that mark. They’ve only gone 4-9 in that span.

*The Lakers have played on Christmas Day a total of 38 times, second only to the Knicks (20-18). The Lakers are 12-9 all-time at home and 8-9 on the road on Christmas Day games.

*Though both teams have played the most Christmas Day games in NBA history, the Lakers and Knicks enter today’s game having played only one other time on Christmas. The Lakers beat the Knicks 134-126 in 1963, led by Jerry West (47 points) and Elgin Baylor (27 points).

*Kobe Bryant will play in his 15th Christmas Day game, an NBA record. That surpasses the old mark of 13 games set by Earl Monroe, Shaquille O’Neal and Dolph Schayes.

*Bryant’s 349 points ranks second all-time in Christmas Day games behind Oscar Robertson (377). Considering Bryant leads the league in scoring at 29.7 points per game, it’s safe to presume will he eclipse Robertson’s mark today. Bryant also ranks second in assists (81) behind Robertson (145), ranks 4th in steals (15) and is tired for 2nd in 3-point field goals made (11).

*Steve Nash ranks 13th in assists per game (8.4). Dwight Howard ranks 10th in rebounds (15.3), 3rd in blocks (3.5) and third in total blocks (14) on Christmas Day games.

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